Shark tourism inspires new hostel

Backpacker hostel to open in Port Lincoln due to increase in shark tourism

Cage diving with great white sharks is up there on anyone's list of 'things to do before you die'. With that in mind, a couple in Australia have applied to open a backpacker hostel in Port Lincoln, Adelaide, to fill a gap in the market. It's also expected to attract more backpackers and travellers to the city, making it just another reason to visit Down Under.

Together with the Youth Hostel Association (YHA), Robert and Debi Forster have applied to turn the old Bargains Galore building on London Street into a backpackers' hostel catering for up to 84 people in a mix of dormitories and private rooms.

Inspired by comments from people who were looking for cheap accommodation when they came to Port Lincoln to dive with the sharks Mr Forster decided to explore the idea of starting a backpackers' hostel.

"They save up for that sort of experience but don't like to spend too much on accommodation.

"When I first looked into it and spoke to Youth Hostels Australia and a few others I visited in Adelaide, they said they didn't recommend going to Port Lincoln because there isn't any backpackers here so hopefully it will attract more people to the town.

"Backpackers like a place where they can talk to each other about where they've been and where they're going."

Lesley Brown from the Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre said there had long been demand for backpacker-style accommodation in Port Lincoln.

She said the centre regularly fielded enquiries from travellers looking for really cheap accommodation, particularly from overseas travellers.

"We also get people travelling through on working holidays that like cheaper accommodation. We really did need it."

The hostel is planned to open in mid-Novermber, in time for the next influx of backpackers and travellers on their gap year.

Have you ever been cage diving? Do you think more gappers will go to Port Lincoln now that is has a backpacker hostel?

If you're thinking of cage diving and other crazy but cool activities then head to our adrenaline and extreme section for ideas and inspiration.